Pin lock



G. W. WILDIN Feb. 21, 1933.

PIN LOCK Filed April 50, 1952 INVENTOR I? 21/. Z1144; ,2, 12M awa -4.4

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Patented Feb. 21, 19 33 UNITED STATES GEORGE W. WILDIN, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA PIN LOCK Application filed April 30,

The invention relates to the type of lock or retaining device, commonly known as a split pin or cotter lock, in which a pin, meaning any elon ate member such as a pin, bolt, rod or shaft, is provided with a passage extending transversely therethrough and having a locking key disposed therein; the ob ject being to provide an improved pin lock of this type, which may be readily manu- 10 tactured and quickly and easily applied.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one end of a pin provided with a key-locking passage into which a cotter key has been driven; Fig. 2 a transverse cross section of the pin of Fig. 1 taken through the locking passage; and Fig. 3 a view, similar to Fig. 2, but showing the looking passage without the cotter key.

Referring to the drawing, a pin 1 is provided with a single passage 2 extending transversely through it, and a locking key 3, such as a cotter key, is driven into this passage with at least one of its ends projecting therefrom to form a pin lock for purposes such as those just set forth. To insure that the key will be retained securely in the pin, and to provide for automatically locking the key in place when it is driven into the pin, thereby making unnecessary an additional clinching or looking operation, passage 2 is formed with straight end portions joined by an intermediate angular portion. As best shown in Fig. 3, the intermediate angular portion preferably forms an oflset between the adjoining straight parallel end portions, the wall of the passage thereby forming shoulders 6 and 7 midway of its length. Key 3, which is made of ductile metal, is thereby deflected from its normally straight form by shoulders 6 and 7 when it is driven into the pin, and is caused to conform to the angularity of the passage and to form a corresponding ofiset portion 8, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It is, therefore, apparent that when the locking key is driven into place, it is at the same time, and with no additional operation, automatically locked in the pin solely by the angular passage 2, the oliset portion 8 of the key abutting against shoulders 6 and 7 1932. Serial No. 608,435.

and resisting removal of the key from the pin. Consequently, jarring, impact, and other rough treatment received in use can not loosen it or otherwise cause it to slip out of the passage.

An important feature of this construction is that passage 2 is single, having an unbroken wall around it with no other passage intersecting it. This is important in that by providing only a single passage through it the pin is not weakened as much as it would be if it were provided with a passage having an intersecting branch passage, as has previously been done to cause the automatic spreading of a cotter key. Furthermore, the expense of boring such an additional passage is eliminated.

One advantage of this invention is that any ductile metal retaining key may be used, even though it ,is unitary and headless, because a head takes no part in retaining the key in place, and the key is not spread to clinch it as a cotter key is. The split headed key of Figs. 1 and 2 is illustrated merely because it is a familiar and readily available form of key. The invention also increases the factor or" safety, in that a key is automaticallylocked in place at the moment it is driven into the passage, the danger of a key dropping out of a pin due to neglect to clinch it thereby being eliminated; and the pin is not unduly weakened by a plurality of passages, as is the case with some prior types of pin locks. Furthermore, time is saved in securing the key in place, because no locking operation is required in addition to the initial driving 01 a key into the passage.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle and operation of my invention, and have illustrated and described what I now consider to be its best embodiments. However, I desire to have it understood that, within the scope of the appended claim, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

A pin lock, comprising a pin provided with a single passage formed by an unbroken wall 2 1',s9s,o7i

extending transversely through the pin, said passage having straight offset end portions Whose axes are parallel to each other, said end portions being joined by an angularly disposed intermediate straight portion, and

a locking key of ductile metal in and bodily conformed to said passage to resist removal therefrom.

In testimony whereof, I sign my name.

GEORGE W. WILDIN. 

